Author Roald Dahl once said, “If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.” Some 700 years earlier, St. Thomas Aquinas said, “Beware of the person of one book.”

Well, the Bs at B Direct would hate to contradict either of them. So, our bookshelf holds several worthwhile volumes right now. Here are some recommendations ...

Using Behavioral Science in Marketing
by Nancy Harhut

Nancy's smart, entertaining book is currently topping "Best Marketing Books" lists across the industry. This step-by-step guide helps readers increase engagement, response rates, and the  ROI of marketing campaigns  by harnessing hardwired consume behavior and instinctive responses. If you've ever had the pleasure of hearing Nancy's keynotes at NEDMA, the DMA, or myriad other conferences, you'll be happy to know that her insight, humor, wit, and wisdom shine through on every page.

Twenty Jobs Twenty Lessons
by Bob Cargill

Bob shares his colorful career, and explains how one talented creative professional evolved from the "Ice Cream Truck Driver" to "Junk Mail King" to "Direct Marketer of the Year" to "Social Media Zealot" and "President of the AMA." Young professionals can take advantage of some of the lessons Bib has learned along the way. And, local marketers will no doubt recognize anonymized people, places, and organizations — which is half the fun.

The Long Game
by Dorie Clark

A consultant, speaker, Duke University instructor, and "expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives," Dorie explains how to be a long-term thinker in a short-term world. Through easy-to-adopt principles and stories (Dorie's own and others'), you'll discover a framework to help you break out of the  frenetic day-to-day routine and transform your career and life.

The Grit Factor
by Shannon Huffman Polson

If you think it takes gumption to succeed in marketing, imagine the sheer grit it takes to climb the highest mountain in North America (at age 19), followed by Rainier and Kilimanjaro, or to serve as one of the first U.S. Army's female attack helicopter pilots. Shannon's inspiring and pragmatic book will help you strengthen and fine-tune your leadership skills while it enlightens and energizes you.

Failing Up
by Leslie Odom, Jr.

Hamilton-superstar, Tony- and Grammy-winner Leslie might seem like an odd choice to author a book with the word "Failing" in its title. But, this slim, personable volume explains how important it is to fall on your face (then get back up and go for it again). Leslie compares his setbacks to mini graduations and makes a case for giving it your all, time and time again, until your own moment of greatness.

Happy reading, honey!